Tasha Gallegos runs away with the Pancake Day race in world record time.

Liberal, Kansas— The 65th International Pancake Day is Mar. 4, and racers of all ages may begin signing up at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Liberal Recreation Center, 1109 W. 7th St. (in Blue Bonnet Park). Sign-ups will continue through Feb. 21. These sign-ups are for all races and all age groups, except for the Parks and Rec Pancake Chase.
The number of contestants in each race is limited to 15, and a category will be closed once that limit is reached. There is no entry fee. No early or late sign-ups will be accepted.

RACE CATEGORIES

The International RaceThe International Race is the main event, and this will be 65th match-up between the women of Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. This race is limited to women age 18 or older with a Liberal address who have “domestic duties.” (High school students who are 18 should enter the youth division.) Women who sign up for the International Race should bring a photo of themselves when they sign up, if possible.Men’s Pacer RaceThe Men’s Pacer Race is open to all men ages 18 and older (except those still enrolled in high school, who will run in the youth division).

Women’s Last Chance RaceThe Last Chance race is open to women ages 50 and older. (Women who are over 50 may enter the main International Race if they prefer, as long as they meet the Liberal residence requirement.)Youth RacesThis category is for teens ages 14-18 who live in Liberal. The youth division will feature at least two races, one for men and one for women. The number of racers who sign up will determine how many age categories the racers will be grouped into. The youth division race is a 75-yard dash and will be held immediately after the children’s races conclude. Pancake Day organizers would like to encourage high school students to enter, since USD 480 is closed in honor of Pancake Day. Winners will receive medals only and no monetary prizes, so high school athletes can enter without losing eligibility. Any entrant under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign the entry form.

Children’s RacesChildren from ages 3-13 who live in Liberal are eligible, and each age and gender competes in a separate category, offering lots of room for Liberal’s youngest Pancake Day Racers. The child’s parent or guardian must be present to sign the entry form.

Sign-ups will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 and will continue during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -6 p.m. through Feb. 21. All sign-ups will be at the Liberal Recreation Center, 1109 W. 7th St. (in Blue Bonnet Park). For more information on any race, call Ronna Stump, at 620-626-0133 or JoAnn Combs at 620-624-6423.